21-year-old arrested with suspected human hand, weapons in Lagos

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 21-year-old man, identified as Samson Onilewaji, after he was allegedly found in possession of a suspected human body part, firearms, axes and items believed to have been stolen during robbery operations.

The suspect was apprehended during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Lekki–Epe Expressway, in what police described as part of ongoing efforts to curb violent crimes and criminal activities across Lagos State.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, officers intercepted an unregistered commercial shuttle bus carrying six occupants during the operation.

A thorough search of the vehicle and its passengers reportedly led to the recovery of a suspected human right hand, two locally fabricated pistols, one live cartridge, two axes, a Point of Sale (POS) terminal machine and five Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards.

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The police said preliminary investigations identified Onilewaji as the owner of the recovered items, leading to his immediate arrest while further inquiries continue into the involvement of the other occupants of the vehicle.

According to Adebisi, the suspect confessed during interrogation to recently robbing three individuals of their valuables, including the recovered POS terminal and ATM cards.

“The suspect confessed to having recently robbed three individuals of their personal belongings, including the recovered POS terminal machine and ATM cards. Efforts are ongoing to identify and contact the victims for the return of their recovered property,” the police spokesperson stated.

She added that detectives have launched an extensive investigation to determine the origin of the suspected human body part and the circumstances surrounding its possession.

Police are also seeking to establish the identity of the owner of the recovered human hand and whether it is connected to any reported homicide, ritual-related activity or other criminal offences.

“An investigation is also ongoing to ascertain the identity of the owner of the recovered suspected human hand, the circumstances surrounding its possession, and its intended use. Further efforts are being intensified to identify and apprehend other criminal associates connected with the suspect. The suspect will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation,” Adebisi said.

The police noted that efforts have been intensified to track down other suspected members of the criminal syndicate believed to be linked to the suspect.

Reacting to the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Olaiwola Fatai, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating violent crimes, armed robbery, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.

He commended the vigilance of the operatives involved in the operation and assured residents that the command would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, routine patrols and stop-and-search operations aimed at preventing crime and ensuring public safety.

The commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police by providing credible and timely information that could assist in preventing criminal activities and bringing offenders to justice.